WM Module 1
WM Module 1
WM Module 1
(BETCK105F/205F)
THEORY (3 CREDIT)
chindu rijoy
WASTE MANAGEMENT (BETCK105F/205F)
MODULE 1
Classification of solid wastes (source and type based), solid waste management (SWM),
elements of SWM, ESSWM (environmentally sound solid waste management) and EST
(environmentally sound technologies), factors affecting SWM, Indian scenario, progress
in MSW management in India, Indian and global scenario of e-waste.
Definition of Solid waste: - Solid waste are all the waste arising from human and animal activities
that are normally solid and that are discarded as useless or unwanted. It contains the heterogeneous
mass of throw away from residences and commercial activities as well as homogeneous
accumulation of agricultural, industrial and mineral wastes.
In its scope, Solid waste management includes all administrative, financial, legal, planning and
Engineering functions involved in solutions to all problems of solid waste.
(i) Residential: This refers to wastes from dwellings, apartments, etc., and consists
of leftover food, vegetable peels, plastic, clothes, ashes, etc.
(ii) Commercial: This refers to wastes consisting of leftover food, glasses, metals,
ashes, etc., generated from stores, restaurants, markets, hotels, motels, auto-repair
shops, medical facilities, etc.
(iii) Institutional: This mainly consists of paper, plastic, glasses, etc., generated from
educational, administrative and public buildings such as schools, colleges, offices,
prisons, etc.
(iv) Municipal: This includes dust, leafy matter, building debris, treatment plant
residual sludge, etc., generated from various municipal activities like construction and
demolition, street cleaning, landscaping, etc. (Note, however, in India municipal can
typically subsume items at (i) to (iii) above).
(v) Industrial: This mainly consists of process wastes, ashes, demolition and
construction wastes, hazardous wastes, etc., due to industrial activities.
(vi) Agricultural: This mainly consists of spoiled food grains and vegetables,
agricultural remains, litter, etc., generated from fields, orchards, vineyards, farms, etc.
(vii) Open areas: this includes wastes from areas such as Streets, alleys, parks, vacant
lots, playgrounds, beaches, highways, recreational areas, etc.
1. Garbage: This refers to animal and vegetable wastes resulting from the handling, sale,
storage, preparation, cooking and serving of food. Garbage comprising these wastes
contains putrescible (rotting) organic matter, which produces an obnoxious odour and
attracts rats and other vermin. It, therefore, requires special attention in storage,
handling and disposal.
2. Ashes and residues: These are substances remaining from the burning of wood, coal,
charcoal, coke and other combustible materials for cooking and heating in houses,
institutions and small industrial establishments. When produced in large quantities, as
in power-generation plants and factories, these are classified as industrial wastes.
Ashes consist of fine powdery residue, cinders and clinker often mixed with small
pieces of metal and glass. Since ashes and residues are almost entirely inorganic, they
are valuable in landfills.
3. Combustible and non-combustible wastes: These consist of wastes generated from
households, institutions, commercial activities, etc., excluding food wastes and other
highly putrescible material. Typically, while combustible material consists of paper,
cardboard, textile, rubber, garden trimmings, etc., non-combustible material consists of
such items as glass, crockery, tin and aluminium cans, ferrous and non-ferrous material
and dirt.
4. Bulky wastes: These include large household appliances such as refrigerators, washing
machines, furniture, crates, vehicle parts, tyres, wood, trees and branches. Since these
household wastes cannot be accommodated in normal storage containers, they require
a special collection mechanism.
5. Street wastes: These refer to wastes that are collected from streets, walkways, alleys,
parks and vacant plots, and include paper, cardboard, plastics, dirt, leaves and other
vegetable matter. Littering in public places is indeed a widespread and acute problem
in many countries including India, and a solid waste management system must address
this menace appropriately.
the small ones are dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, etc. The reason for this
differentiation is that large animals require special equipment for lifting and
handling when they are removed. If not collected promptly, dead animals pose
a threat to public health since they attract flies and other vermin as they decay.
Their presence in public places is particularly offensive from the aesthetic point
of view as well.
ii. Abandoned vehicles-This category includes automobiles, trucks and trailers
that are abandoned on streets and other public places. However, abandoned
vehicles have significant scrap value for their metal, and their value to
collectors is highly variable.
Environmentally sound solid waste management is a process that aims to reduce the amount of
waste produced and to manage the waste that is produced in a way that is environmentally friendly.
This can be done through waste reduction and recycling. Consistent waste reduction and recycling
activities mean there will be fewer waste materials to be sent to landfills and incinerators. As such,
the emission of greenhouse gases and other forms of pollutants will be reduced by a large
percentage.
The use of certain technologies called Environmentally Sound Technologies can bring about better
solid waste management and thus can reduce the problems which may arise due to mis-managing
of solid waste. ESSWM thus aims at promoting a more sustainable future.
Environmentally sound technologies (ESTs) are technologies that have the potential for
significantly improved environmental performance relative to other technologies. Broadly
speaking, these technologies protect the environment, are less polluting, use resources in a
sustainable manner, recycle more of their wastes and products, and handle all residual wastes in a
more environmentally acceptable way than the technologies for which they are substitutes. ESTs
are not just individual technologies, but total systems that include know-how, procedures, goods
and services, and equipment, as well as organizational and managerial procedures for promoting
environmental sustainability. Some examples of ESTs are solar panels, wind turbines, biogas
digesters, composting systems, and water purification devices.
Hard EST: This includes equipment, machines and other infrastructure with their
material accessories to handle waste products and monitor/measure the quality of air,
water and soil.
Soft EST: This supports and complements hard technologies and include nature-
based technologies and management tools. Nature-based technologies include
processes and mechanisms nature uses within a specific ecosystem (such as vermi-
composting) and its carrying capacity, while management tools include system and
procedures, policy and regulatory frameworks, and environmental performance
standards and guidelines.
b. Non-compactor trucks are more efficient and cost-effective than compactor trucks in
small cities and in areas where wastes tend to be very dense and have little potential for
compaction. The use of lighter, more energy- efficient boxtrucks, vans, and dump
trucks can be appropriate for sparsely populated areas, where the main constraint on
collection efficiency is distance.
c. Transfer trailers or compacting vehicles can carry larger volumes of MSW than regular
collection trucks, which allow them to travel longer distances carrying more waste.
This lowers fuel costs, increases labour productivity, and saves on vehicle wear.
Several factors influence the design and implementation of a solid waste management system.
These factors vary from region to region and can significantly impact the effectiveness and
sustainability of waste management practices.
Following are the factors affecting solid waste management system, its design, development, and
operation:
1. Institutional Factors
2. Social Factors
3. Financial Factors
4. Economic Factors
5. Technical Factors
6. Environmental Factors
1. Institutional Factors
Institutional factors affecting solid waste management system involve laws and policies that allow
the government to effectively implement Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM). Steps that
can be taken in this regard include:
• Establish a national and/or provincial policy and pass laws on SWM standards and
practices.
• Identify the roles and responsibilities of each level of government.
• Ensure that the local governments have the authority and resources to implement an ISWM
plan.
The presence and enforcement of legislative and regulatory frameworks play a vital role in shaping
solid waste management practices. Laws and regulations govern waste collection, disposal,
recycling, and the establishment of waste management infrastructure. Strong regulations and
enforcement promote proper waste handling and encourage the adoption of sustainable waste
management practices.
2. Social Factors
Social factors affecting the solid waste management system involve local customs and
cultural/religious practices which can generally be affected or altered by sustained public
education campaigns. The knowledge of these factors can determine how the waste is generated
and disposed of. The local government must ensure citizen participation in all phases of
management planning to help gain community awareness, input, and acceptance.
The level of public awareness and participation in waste management practices influences the
success of waste management systems. Educating and engaging the public in waste reduction,
recycling, and proper waste disposal practices can lead to improved waste management behaviors.
Population Density and Composition: The population density and composition of an area affect
the quantity and types of waste generated. Higher population densities generally result in increased
waste generation, requiring efficient waste collection and disposal strategies. The composition of
the population, including residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, affects the nature and
characteristics of the waste stream.
3. Financial Factors
This is the most important factor to consider while implementing an ISWM plan. The source(s) of
funds must be identified and/or created to help finance the SWM plan. In this regard, the local
government should identify the sources that can provide funding for SWM, including general
revenues or user fees, the private sector, government, and international agency grants and loans,
etc.
The availability of financial resources and infrastructure affects the implementation and
maintenance of waste management systems. Limited financial resources can impact the
establishment of collection networks, waste treatment facilities, and recycling infrastructure.
Adequate budget allocations and funding mechanisms are crucial to support the sustainable
operation of waste management systems.
4. Economic Factors
Economic factors affecting the solid waste management system should be differentiated from the
above, as these include the financial (more precisely, economical) output of the ISWM plans, for
example, the jobs creation, enhancement of public trade and tourism, political mileage, etc. In
order to evaluate these factors, the local government must calculate the initial capital investment
requirements and long-term operating and maintenance costs associated with the various waste
management activities. In addition, they must evaluate the public’s ability and willingness to pay
for the services and evaluate activities based on effectiveness in handling waste potential for job
creation.
5. Technical Factors
These factors include the determination of equipment and facilities required for the
implementation of the ISWM plan and more importantly, the locations where these equipment and
facilities will be kept. The determination of these factors will depend on geological factors,
transport distances, and projected waste generation, which will then become the basis for siting
and design of various equipment and facilities.
6. Environmental Factors
Every ISWM plan has a deep impact on natural resources, human health, and the environment in
general. All SWM activities such as landfilling or combustion must take into account the
environmental cost of these activities and strive to minimize their effects on human health and the
natural resources of the area. In this regard, the local government must establish procedures to
verify the protection of groundwater and drinking water and monitor compliance with national
standards to ensure that human health risks are minimized.
Environmental concerns drive the need for sustainable waste management practices. The desire to
minimize environmental impacts, such as pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil and water
contamination, influences waste management decisions. The emphasis on waste reduction,
recycling, and resource recovery helps mitigate environmental impacts.
MSW IN INDIA
• Rapid increase in urbanization and per capita income in India has significantly led to an
increase in municipal solid waste generation in the country.
• Electronic waste and plastic waste have contributed a large amount to the total waste stream
in recent years. The use of domestic hazardous waste and bio-medical waste last year shot
up due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Improper and unscientific
disposal of these wastes can be hazardous for human life and the environment.
• Urban Indian generates 62 million tonnes of waste (MSW) annually, said a 2014 Planning
Commission report. It also predicted that the volume will increase to 165 million tonnes
by 2030.
• India’s solid waste collection efficiency, however, is around 70 per cent at present, while
it is almost 100 per cent in many developed countries.
• According to the Ministry of Environment and Forest, 43 million tonnes of municipal solid
waste was collected annually, out of which 31 million was dumped at the landfill sites and
11.9 million was treated.
Some of the challenges in solid waste management in India are:
• Rising waste generation: Economic growth, urbanization, and population increase lead to
more waste production. A Planning Commission Report (2014) estimated that India will
generate 165 million tonnes by 2030.
• Improper waste management: Only 50% of the waste is processed, while 30% is
unaccounted and 20% ends up in landfills1. Landfills are a poor method of disposal as they
cause environmental and health problems. There is also poor segregation of waste at
source, which hampers recycling and resource recovery.
• Lack of financial resources, skills, and technology: The public sector faces challenges
in improving solid waste management services due to insufficient funds, expertise, and
equipment. There is also a lack of awareness and participation from the citizens and the
informal sector.
• Policy and legal gaps: The existing rules and regulations for waste management are not
adequately implemented or enforced. There is also a need for more coordination and
integration among various stakeholders and levels of government.
These challenges pose serious threats to the environment, public health, and social well-being of
the country. Therefore, there is a need for more effective and sustainable solutions for waste
management in India.
system by connecting to the central ERP system for seamless communication between the
head office and collection vehicles or bins.
• An automated underground waste collection system aims at minimizing human
interventions, space requirement, health hazards and impact on environment. The
digitalized world enables waste management and public authorities to provide increasingly
better services to their customers and society and brings them a step closer to circular
economy.
• Digital technologies come with the promise of a more effective waste management regime
which is safer and more transparent with better sourcing of valuable materials in the waste
streams and effective link to other sectors in a future circular economy.
• Furthermore, the digital transformation can further improve waste management sector
economically, environmentally and socially. Moreover, hardly any sector is as intricately
linked to the emergence of circular economy as waste management.
• Hence, it will not be inaccurate to say that digitalization in the waste management sector
is necessary and indeed indispensable to the creation of the circular economy. More study
into the level of investment and endowment of digital technologies in waste management
is needed.
• This may be currently important as a window of investment opportunity. States and
municipalities who are lagging in waste management and circular economy, should
especially use digital technologies for transforming into a more sustainable regime.
• The waste management sector is in an early phase of this development. The chances as
well as impact of its digital transformation are emerging and can still be structured.
• the processing of solid waste has improved significantly from 19% in 2015-16 to ~50% in
2020-21. In the corresponding period, the proportion of solid waste landfilled has fallen
from 54% to 18.4%. The report also states that 100% of solid waste is treated in
Chhattisgarh, followed by 89% in Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli (DDDNH)
and 87% in Goa.
these substances can cause environmental pollution, soil degradation, water contamination, air
emissions, and human exposure.
E-waste is the fastest growing type of waste on a global scale.
➢ In India, it is estimated that between 0.77 to 3.2 million tonnes of e-waste was generated
in 2019.
➢ India ranks as the world’s third-largest e-waste generator. However, only
approximately 0.52 million tonnes of e-waste were collected and processed in India in
2021-2022.
➢ The management of e-waste presents substantial environmental and human health risks,
especially in middle- and low-income countries that frequently lack formal e-waste
management infrastructure. In India, there is still a widespread practice of landfilling and
incinerating of e-waste, which is also ragged, unorganized, and crude.
➢ Sustainable e-waste management in India remains a major challenge due to more informal
recycling practices, a lack of rules and regulations, e-waste importation from developed
countries, and a lack of awareness and information.
GLOBAL SCENARIO
The global scenario of e-waste is alarming and requires urgent attention.
➢ According to Statista1, more than 50 million metric tons of e-waste was generated
globally in 2019, averaging some seven kilograms of e-waste per capita. However, only
about 17.4% of this e-waste was documented to be collected and properly recycled. The
rest of the e-waste was either dumped, burned, or illegally traded, posing serious threats to
the environment and human health.
➢ The global e-waste problem is expected to worsen in the future due to the increasing
demand for electronic products, the rapid technological innovation, the shortening product
lifespan, and the lack of effective e-waste management policies and practices in many
countries.
➢ The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that by 2030, the global
e-waste generation will reach 74 million metric tons, which is almost a doubling of the
2014 level.
Therefore, there is an urgent need for more sustainable solutions to reduce, reuse, recycle, and
recover e-waste in a safe and environmentally sound manner. Some of the possible solutions
include improving product design, enhancing consumer awareness and behavior, strengthening
legal and regulatory frameworks, promoting formal and informal sector collaboration,
developing green industries and markets, and applying biological strategies for remediation.
1. Define SW. Explain the source based and type (nature) based
classification of SW with examples.
2. Explain the various functional elements of SWM system with a
schematic diagram.
3. List out factors affecting SWM system. Explain all the factors with
examples
4. Write short notes on Indian scenario of SWM.
5. List out the progress in MSW management in India.
6. What is E-waste? Point out the global and Indian Scenario of
e-waste management.
7. Define SWM. Explain the importance of SWM.
8. Write explanatory notes on ESSWM and EST.